And the figures don't include 74 layoffs coming later this month when Banner Engineering closes its Fergus Falls operations to take those jobs overseas

Fergus Falls, MN (PRWEB)March 11, 2009

Economic activity in the manufacturing industry, which includes the apparel sector, contracted in February for the thirteenth consecutive month, according to The Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) Report on Business, a national report released last week. This came as no surprise to U.S. retail company American Mystique (http://www.americanmystique.com), whose owners actively support and sell U.S.-made goods and products in order to sustain a healthy economy. "Sixty years ago, America possessed a vibrant industrial base. Now it is sick and dying fast, and there is no governmental plan of action to save it," said American Mystique co-owner David Adams.

According to ISM's report, the apparel industry did not experience any growth in new orders, production, or employment in February. In fact, ISM said that none of the 18 manufacturing industry sectors reported growth in February. Overall, production dropped slightly, while employment sentiment dropped to 26.1%, the lowest it has been in the 61 years of the index.

In response to this news, Adams said, "Currently we are undertaking to re-fund failing enterprises that were set to fail in any case. Poor executive management and boardroom greed are not substitutes for good leadership and responsible administration. Still, our government continues to re-fund these gross managerial failures to accord their 'feel good' political agenda. How will this re-institute the lost industries of our country? How will this rebuild and restructure our industry base?"

Adams has long been following the deteriorating apparel market. American Mystique offers authentic U.S.-made aviation apparel, such as the iconic leather bomber jacket, as well as other U.S.-made jackets, including leather motorcycle jackets, duck jackets, and Navy pea coats. Although Adams continues to sell his inventory to faithful clientele, he is concerned about the impact that the current economic situation is having on the American apparel industry.

According to Adams, America's manufacturing industry went sour the moment U.S. retailers relied on cheaper imported products in order to make more money. He admits that the jackets sold on his website are not cheap. However, his clientele are not searching for cheap versions of the B3 shearling bomber jacket or other aviation jackets. Adams ensures that all American Mystique jackets are created by American craftsmen and American union labor. American Mystique's B3 shearling bomber jacket, for example, is an identical replica of the classic WWII U.S. Navy jacket. It has been recreated exclusively for American Mystique according to the same standards issued by the U.S. Navy and is manufactured by the same factory producer from that era. The B3 bomber jacket is just one of many American Mystique jackets that are made in the U.S.A. from top-grade U.S.A. leather.

Adams encourages consumers to support U.S.-made goods and products in order to help revive the economy. However, that task is likely to prove challenging; the most recent nationwide and local unemployment figures look grim. Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the city where American Mystique is based, has been deeply impacted by the ongoing crisis. Figures released March 4 by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) show the Otter Tail County unemployment rate at 10.4% in January, an increase of nearly 2% since December. That means nearly one out of every 10 available workers in the county were unemployed.
"And the figures don't include 74 layoffs coming later this month when Banner Engineering closes its Fergus Falls operations to take those jobs overseas," said Adams.

Both the city and county unemployment rates eclipse the Minnesota state and U.S. national unemployment rates. State figures also released March 4 show that 8.5% of Minnesota's 2.91 million available workers were unemployed. National figures released March 6 showed the national unemployment rate at 8.1%. Nationally, 650,000 people lost their jobs in January - the most since 1949.

About American Mystique
American Mystique supports local manufacturing and offers only U.S.-made products. The company offers U.S.-made shearling sheepskin jackets, nylon flight jackets, hooded parkas, and various winter jackets and coats. Its winter jackets and coats for both men and women are currently on sale. For more information, please visit http://www.americanmystique.com.